• quicken@aussie.zone
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    5 months ago

    In many countries with high numbers of cyclers an adult can jump on a bike and cycle along the footpath without a helmet. In Australia you can be fined over $400!

    • Zagorath@aussie.zoneOP
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      5 months ago

      A problem, for sure, and the evidence tells us it’s a bad idea.

      But the evidence also seems fuzzy enough that it seems very unlikely that this is the primary problem with cycling in this country.

    • BakedGoods
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      5 months ago

      Helmets are great though. Too many people end up with cracked open skulls just from falling over at slow speeds.

      • Zagorath@aussie.zoneOP
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        5 months ago

        No you’re absolutely right. On an individual level, it always makes sense to wear a helmet. I’ll always see someone without a helmet, whatever the context, and think they’re a fucking idiot.

        Yes, even in the Netherlands.

        But individual decisions are not the same as public health policy. And from a public health perspective, mandatory helmets are a net negative.